A Day Full of History

Cittaslow Philosophy and Izmir

The Seferihisar district of İzmir is the first Turkish member of the Cittaslow network

The Slow City (Cittaslow) movement, which emerged upon the chaos brought by consumption-oriented modern life, creating unhappiness and restlessness instead of happiness and peace in our lives, is a philosophy that advocates that life should be lived at a pace to enjoy it.

Cittaslow movement, which aims to be a realistic alternative to cities where people can communicate with each other, that is self-sufficient, sustainable, preserving its own handicrafts, nature, traditions, and customs, but also has no infrastructure problems, using renewable energy sources and benefiting from the convenience of technology. It grew rapidly by incorporating cities and towns that adopt the philosophy.

264 cities from 30 countries have met the 72 criteria of the network and become a member. The first member in Turkey was the Seferihisar district of İzmir. The Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Tunç Soyer, who was Seferihisar’s mayor at the time, attended to the Cittaslow International Coordination Committee meeting held in Italy in 2009 and presented the application file. With the acceptance of the application, Seferihisar became part of this peaceful network.

Among the criteria to be met in order to join the network are environmental policies, infrastructure, quality of the city's texture, supporting local production and products, and hospitality. Seferihisar has continued to meet these criteria.

How is the spirit of Cittaslow felt in Seferihisar?

It is possible to gather the philosophy of Cittaslow under four titles: Slow life, Urban spirit, Sustainable development, and Slow food. All of these titles have become the identity of Seferihisar.

When you come to Seferihisar, you are surprised how slow life flows. Living slowly, enjoying life, spending time with our loved ones and ourselves is a part of everyday life in Seferihisar. As you slowly step through the streets of Seferihisar, you realize the value of each moment.

Seferihisar has an urban spirit like other cities in the Cittaslow network. In Seferihisar, which preserves its history and local characteristics very well, you can feel the spirit of this city everywhere, from Sığacık to Teos Ancient City, from blue flag beaches to tangerine gardens.

Aware of the fact that cities without economic power have died over time by migrating, the Cittaslow movement requires its members to adopt a sustainable development model by protecting their identity. Seferihisar Municipality pays attention that all its projects respect the nature, artisans, culture, history, food, and products of the district.

Finally, when you eat and drink in cafes or restaurants in Seferihisar, you realize that eating is not just a routine action for taking calories, but a social preference. While sharing a beautiful moment with your loved ones in a restaurant here; it makes you comfortable to know that the food coming to your table is clean and in compliance with fair food principles.

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